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Journal articles
A targeted approach to produce energy-efficient packaging materials from high-yield pulp, TAPPI Journal August 2025
ABSTRACT: Unlike fossil-based plastics, wood-based packaging materials can be produced in an ecofriendly manner using wood chip residuals from sawmills and pulpwood. To produce high-yield pulp like chemithermomechanical pulps (CTMPs) for paperboard and liquid packaging, it is crucial to reduce the electric energy consumption during fiber separation. The ultimate objective is to revolutionize paperboard production by achieving a middle-layer CTMP process that consumes less than 200 kilowatt-hours per metric ton (kWh/t), significantly improving from the current 500•600 kWh/t energy demand. Optimizing the CTMP impregnation process of sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) in wood chips is crucial for achieving uniform softening, ideally at the fiber level. The properties of the fibers are significantly affected by the content of lignin sulfonates within the walls of the fiber and the middle lamellae. In this study, we employed in-house developed X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques, validated by beamline measurements, to map the distribution of sulfonated lignin within fibers. It also seemed possible to enhance the surface area of lignin-rich pulp fibers while losing minimal bulk by refining them with well-optimized low consistency (LC) refining. We aimed to achieve a highly efficient separation of coniferous wood fibers by co-optimizing the sulfonation and the temperature in the preheater and chip refiner. Additionally, we explored how lignin’s softening behavior and potential crosslinking influence subsequent unit operations, including pressing, peroxide bleaching, and drying, following the defibration process. In defibration during chip refining, the maximum softening of wood fibers is preferred to maximize fiber preservation and minimize energy consumption. However, optimizing the stiffness of finished pulp fibers is preferable to reduce bulk loss during paperboard production. It can strive to optimize processes to develop stronger, lighter, and more sustainable composite packaging materials. Reducing environmental impact and electric energy can help create a more sustainable future.
Journal articles
Making a case for small paper machines, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Making a case for small paper machines, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Journal articles
Incremental tons - to make or not to make, that is the question, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Incremental tons - to make or not to make, that is the question, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Journal articles
Prevention of core bursts, creping, and ribbons on jumbo rolls, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Prevention of core bursts, creping, and ribbons on jumbo rolls, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Journal articles
High-energy, self-cleaning filtration system, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
High-energy, self-cleaning filtration system, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Journal articles
New findings of entrained air and dissolved gases in pm wet end: mill case study, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
New findings of entrained air and dissolved gases in pm wet end: mill case study, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Journal articles
Effects of white-water closure on the physical properties of linerboard, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Effects of white-water closure on the physical properties of linerboard, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Journal articles
Development and validation of an improved drainage testing, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Development and validation of an improved drainage testing, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Journal articles
Adhesion properties of polyamide fibers used in press, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Adhesion properties of polyamide fibers used in press, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
Journal articles
On the in-plane tear test, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)
On the in-plane tear test, TAPPI JOURNAL, April 2000, Vol. 83(4)